Kandyse McClure has long been a captivating presence on screen, with a career spanning over two decades in film and television. Best known for her powerful portrayal of Anastasia Dualla in the critically acclaimed Battlestar Galactica, McClure has consistently brought depth, nuance, and a magnetic energy to every role she’s taken on. In her role as Kaia Bryant on Netflix’s beloved series Virgin River, Kandyse McClure brings a fresh dynamic to the heartwarming and often emotionally charged world of the small-town drama. Introduced in the latest season, Kaia is a resilient and compassionate firefighter whose arrival sparks intrigue and adds layers of complexity to the lives of Virgin River’s residents.

As “Virgin River” continues to captivate audiences worldwide, McClure’s contribution to the series is undoubtedly a highlight, and one that speaks to her exceptional range as an actress. We caught up with Kandyse to talk through her career journey to-date, her fondness for the work of designer, Dries Van Noten, and her international music taste.

Read the interview…

Tell us a bit about your career journey. What was your first acting job?

A play by Athol Fugard called Valley Song at the Vancouver Fringe Festival. The first paid role I did though was a TV movie called In a Class of His Own with Lou Diamond Phillips.

Virgin River has become quite a phenomenon. How does it feel to be part of the ensemble?

It truly is and I can see why. This cast is a group of warm, kind hardworking folks. Really honoured to be a part of it all.

You play a fire chief, how different or similar are you to your character in the show?

You do try and put something of yourself in every role. She has a wry sense of humour which I can relate to but she’s a lot bolder than I am.

Describe your personal style.

Classic with a contemporary edge. I love natural fabrics and clean lines but with a pop of colour and a little vintage glamour for good measure. I have (and wear) a lot of my grandmothers clothing, and she was a glamorous lady.

Who are some favourite designers?

Tibi for comfort and everyday wearability, Dries Van Noten for colour and edge, and I love Khaite’s texture and silhouettes.

What are you binging now on tv?

Nobody Wants This. Somebody Somewhere, Slow Horses!

What are you listening to, music wise?

It’s all over the place! Rubii for the UK vibe, Sjava out of South Africa, Jessie Reyez, James Blake and of course, Zhane – they’re ahead of their time. Khruangbin gets me through long workdays.

If you could work with any actors, who would your top two be?

Mahershala Ali and Cate Blanchett

How do you spend your time off?

I love to garden, even in the winter. I’m that girl with the greenhouse. We cook most of our meals, it’ s great accessible creative expression and you get to eat it afterwards. I’m currently doing research for a project so there’s a lot of reading happening.

What is one of your New Year’s resolutions?

Not a resolution really… just to keep going. To keep expressing, keep opening up to possibilities and to keep saying yes.